Opinion

Chamber countdowns to Christmas in Brush

By Katie Collins Brush News-Tribune Staff Writer

Posted:
11/26/2012 04:00:00 PM MST

Updated:
12/05/2012 09:55:22 AM MST

The jingle of sleigh bells may be faint, but as the holiday season fast approaches, residents and businesses throughout Brush have already begun decking the halls as the spirit of Christmas swiftly settles in. As part of the annual Shop Brush 1st promotion, the Brush Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host an array of fun-filled family activities through the month of December, beginning with a Christmas Streetscape Open House on THURSDAY, December 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Streetscape Open HouseFrom the crackle of roasting marshmallows in fire pits to be set up along the newly revitalized Clayton Street portion of downtown Brush, to free hot chocolate, stories and games for children, local shopping and seasonal music, singing and Christmas light displays to the sight of Santa himself, Brush will be a-buzz with the holiday spirit for the young and young-at-heart alike.

Santa Party/Free Movies While visions of sugar plums dance in their heads, area children will again be treated to participate in free movies slated to show at the Sands Theatre on Saturday, December 15 and December 22 with "Ice Age 4" slated for the December 15 show and "Madagascar 3" for December 22 with show times to start at 1 p.m. for both. The traditional Santa Party at the Carroll Building will have children follow along from the movie to the party which will begin at 3 pm on Saturday, December 22. The party wil l include a visit from Kris Kringle, as well as free hay rides, cookies, candy, hot dogs and more.

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Coloring ContestA Coloring Contest is open to children, with prizes to be awarded in the following groups: 1-2 years; 3-4 years; Kindergarten; first grade; second grade; third grade; fourth grade and fifth grade. Contest entry forms will be available at the Brush Chamber of Commerce and at Brush elementary schools. They are to be returned to the Brush Chamber of Brush elementary schools for display by Monday, December 3. Artwork will be displayed in participating businesses throughout Brush. Fantastic Window DisplaysAlso gracing storefronts will be those entering the Fantastic Window Display contest. All Brush businesses are eligible including retail and service businesses, with winners to be announced on Monday, December 17. Service clubs throughout the city are also encouraged to create window displays in vacant buildings. Downtown Trees Decorating ContestAlso, in an effort to create a festive and attractive downtown this holiday season, the City of Brush welcomes businesses to decorate their new tree outside with lights and ornaments to bring even more holiday cheer. First place winners will receive $100 off their business utility bill and second prize includes $50 off. The city will begin plugging in the Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving and will turn on the lights each evening.

For more information on the activities and to find special deals that will be offered by local businesses, log on to the Brush Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.brushchamber.org.

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